l-o-v-e

This morning I randomly began reading some of Moses' writings in Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch. One neat aspect of this book is that it contains exhuberant dialogue between Moses & God. To no surprise "Deuteronomy" translated from Jewish means "words", how appropriate. The distinct passage I read is included in the second disclosure of the book of Deuteronomy, Chapters 5-28, it is in these chapters that you witness a recap of the ten commandments. Specifically, in chapter 6 you see an amplified version of the first commandment, to Love the Lord with all your heart ,soul, and mind. Check it out:

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

I don't think this passage was necessarily reiterated because the Israelites didn't understand it the first time. You see, I believe it was rehashed because they were about to enter into their new land. Moses and the Lord feared that upon enerting into such a "utopia" that temptation to unintentionally forsake their first love, the Lord, might arise. Or perhaps they feared that this new land might bring fresh aspects to everyday life, and allure them to idolize something that has no reason to be placed on a pedestal. The exact reason is a bit blurry, but one could hypothesize why these verses were so imperative.

Moving on...

For some reason, while I was reading these few verses... they struck a different cord within me. To me, it was no longer a simple instruction that a first grader could comprehend. It was a command that embodied so much more. Somehow I think the word "love" symbolized so much more when Moses scribed this. Think about it... in today's day in age we throw the word "love" around so much! We LOVE everything! We love sunny weather, skinny caramel macchioto's iced upside down, glamorous shoes, a perfect hair day, a kick-butt workout, a no-traffic commute, our precious families, and God, the maker of heaven and earth. Some how it just seems odd to have such a perfect and holy person in this category, doesn't it?

I yearn to love the Lord in an extravagant and unique way. A way that is clearly distinguishable from the other "loves", a way that brings glory to the deserving God. I mustered up a few pratical ways that can enable us to fall more in love with Him.

First, we must stop doing things of the Lord as a routine. You know, as if we are checking off our weekly list of to-do's. Merely attending church and reading our Bible efffortlessly does not bring that closeness that He desires. It's not a matter of physically being somewhere, it's a matter of the heart. Therefore, we must first draw close to Him, with an open and vulnerable spirit. James 4:8 (New Living Translation) "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."

I also think our belief & faith is vital in achieving that closeness. Excessive doubt, worry and anxiety proves to the Lord that you don't trust Him with full control of your life. Yes, at times things do not make sense, but, the beauty is that  "we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation).

Thirdly, I think we all need to dwell on the grace and blessings that are bestowed upon us. We should have an attitude of continual praise and joy for we are richly blessed! Even if we are lacking monitarily or physically, we have eternity in the Kindom of Heaven waiting for us, and to me that is enough reason to be continually grateful! Hebrews 11:6 (New Living Translation) "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Psalm 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Fourth, we should love others with an uncondtional and unshakeable love. If it seems hard at first, I urge you to pray that the Lord will give you eyes to see others in the way that He see's them. I can't tell you how much my perspective on others, even strangers has changed since I started praying this. The compassion you feel, and the prompting to pray for others in need is amazingly divine!

Luke 6:27 & 32 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them."

Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

I think thats a good place to begin, yet I still feel like I've only reached the tip of the iceburg regarding what it truly means to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. But, I suppose if I desire to continue seeking, the love will continuously flow!

Now go and love! :)

Love, me